Leave a gift in your Will
Sharon, a devoted member and supporter of Fight Parkinson’s, recently made a heartfelt decision to include Fight Parkinson’s in her Will, which will leave a lasting impact.
Her inspiring story is a perfect example of the powerful legacy we can all leave behind.
Gifts in Wills, also known as bequests, create a meaningful difference in our communities, contributing to around a quarter of all charity revenue in Australia.
Many Australians are eager to support their favourite causes, yet only half have a Will.
How writing my Will allows me to live in the present
“The thought that my bequest can support others living with Parkinson’s and their families brings me a sense of hope and fulfillment.”
Sharon has always had a close relationship with her Mum, Hilary. After noticing hand tremors for a while, Hilary was officially diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2020.
Soon, Sharon and her parents came to learn that Parkinson’s was much more complex than a tremor.
As an individual who has experienced her own health challenges and has recently completed a Master of Public Health, Sharon has played an integral role in her Mum’s Parkinson’s journey.
“Due to my own health challenges and the invaluable support I received from similar organisations in the past, I promptly joined Fight Parkinson’s when Mum was diagnosed.
Given my parents live in Gippsland, I attended a ‘Recently Diagnosed’ seminar on their behalf and shared the valuable information and insights I gained with them. I regularly share the InMotion magazine, Fight Parkinson’s events, webinars and information I’ve obtained from the Information Line with my parents.”
When she is able, Sharon travels to Gippsland to spend quality time with her parents. Checking out the local op shops with Mum and having a family lunch at the local country RSL, followed by a walk with their beloved family dog, Minnie, are always special moments.
Recently, Sharon made the decision to write up her Will, after several reminders from her Mum.
“I knew it was something I should have done earlier but I kept postponing it until I realised, especially after Mum’s diagnosis, that none of us can predict when health issues might arise.”
She also appointed a Power of Attorney and Medical Treatment Decision Maker in case she is unable to make decisions for herself in the future.
“It dawned on me that it's crucial for loved ones to understand your wishes, making things easier after you're gone.
I also realised I had freedom to allocate more of my estate to charities that are close to my heart; including Fight Parkinson’s.”
Sharon shared how she worries about the future but knows all we can do is strive to live in the present and create lasting memories for the years ahead.
She continues to get more involved in Fight Parkinson’s activities and events including 27forParkinson’s and local A Walk in the Park.
“It has been comforting to feel part of a community that supports those living with Parkinson’s and their families.”
By nominating Fight Parkinson’s in her Will, Sharon is hoping to contribute towards a future where other families, just like hers, won’t have to experience the challenges of life with Parkinson’s.
“Ideally, I hope for a preventative medication or cure for Parkinson’s. Alternatively, I would love to see advancements in early diagnosis methods and more effective treatment options that minimise side effects for patients.”
Need support or information?
If you are considering leaving a gift in your Will or would like more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at bequests@fightparkinsons.org.au or phone (03) 8809 0400.
Alternatively, you can download the online Fight Parkinsons Gift in Will Guide which has information such as the types of gifts in Will and wording to provide to your solicitor. To receive a complimentary Gifts in Wills Guide in the post, please get in touch with us using the information provided above.
Already nominated us in your Will?
If you have already placed us in your Will – thank you.
No matter how large or small, your gift will create a lasting legacy. You will be supporting the Parkinson’s and Atypical Parkinson’s community to access the most comprehensive support, education and research, so they can live a full and active life.
If you are happy to let us know of the gift in Will, please do get in touch with us. We would love the opportunity to thank you personally and keep you up to date with our community activities and research developments. You can reach out to us on bequests@fightparkinsons.org.au or on (03) 8809 0400.
Your legacy will be shaping a stronger future for the Parkinson’s community
“When you decide to leave a gift in your Will to Fight Parkinson’s, you are joining a community of people who are choosing to create a better future for those impacted by Parkinson’s. Your legacy will live on well after you’re gone” – Emma Collin, CEO.
Leaving a gift in your will to Fight Parkinson’s means the community can continue to access our specialised supports free of charge, including:
- A free and confidential health information service that is staffed by expert Parkinson’s nurses, an occupational therapist, a physiotherapist and a speech pathologist
- The online Learning Hub is free and easy to access. The educational courses cover all aspects of living with Parkinson’s for individuals, their families and carers
- Peer support groups where people living with Parkinson’s an opportunity to meet regularly in a welcoming environment. They provide educational information, social connection, and a supportive community
- Health events and seminars that are designed to educate people living with Parkinson’s and health professionals on all aspects of Parkinson’s. They include seminars for people recently diagnosed, along with community seminars that aim to provide the community with a better understanding of Parkinson’s
- Research through partnerships with research institutes and universities. The research programs aim to discover more about the cause, and potential cure, of Parkinson’s and Atypical Parkinson’s along with ways to improve the lives of people currently living with Parkinson’s
Complete your Will online
Fight Parkinson’s has partnered with three online Will providers to make the process of creating a Will easier.
You complete a simple Will with any of our partners below by clicking on their name.
We hope that when you use this special service, you will consider how you can create a living and lasting legacy where you are giving the Parkinson’s and Atypical Parkinson’s community access to comprehensive support and research, so they can live a full and active life.
1. Gathered Here
With Gathered Here, you have the opportunity to write your Will for free, including making unlimited updates to your Will for life. Gathered Here can help you create a legally valid and personalised Will online, using one of Australia’s largest and most trusted online Will service.
2. SafeWill
Safewill is an Australian company that shares our values and vision for gender equality and a just world for children. Their platform makes it easy for the 70% of Australians who don’t have a legally binding Will to create one, through a simple online platform. Every Will is reviewed by a practicing Australian solicitor.